Mat Sabu unfazed by Perkasa warning

PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu today brushed off the Negri Sembilan chapter of right wing Malay rights NGO Perkasa's warning that it will hold protests against the former if no apology is forthcoming.

Instead, the politician who is often regarded as the party's 'fighting cock', will proceed with speaking engagements throughout Negri Sembilan upon invitation.

“I'm ambivalent (about the warning). In fact, (Perkasa is) the one who is more anxious. I've already been charged, so let's just wait for the court to make its decision.

“(But) if I get invited to speak at events, I will,” he said, adding that his next speaking engagement in Negri Sembilan is on Oct 6 in Paroi.

Negri Sembilan Perkasa chief Mohd Noor Nordin Abdullah said he would lead protests against Mohamad, if the latter refuses to apologise over his statement on the 1950 Bukit Kepong incident.

Mohamad, better known as Mat Sabu, was earlier this month charged for criminal defamation for allegedly saying in an Aug 21 speech that it was Mat Indera, who led the attack on the Bukit Kepong police station, was the real freedom fighter and not the police officers defending the station.

Police urged to maintain order

The warning came soon after a fracas broke out in Ampangan, Seremban, last Saturday when Perkasa members protesting against Mat Sabu, attempted to approach the stage when the PAS leader was speaking.

Two PAS supporters sustained injuries during the incident, while Perkasa claims that one of its men was also hurt.

Asked about safety measures in upcoming events, Mat Sabu said that he will let police do their duty in ensuring order, including for events on private premises which do not require permits.

Meanwhile, PAS Negri Sembilan this morning lodged a report at the Paroi police station regarding the protest warning, saying that it goes against Article 10 of the Federal Constitution which guarantees the freedom of speech.

“We urge the police to investigate the matter and to take necessary action to prevent the violence which occurred in Ampangan...from happening again,” said PAS Negri Sembilan commissioner Mohamad Taufek Abdul Ghani.